Hardley Fire Station

30/08/2026

Words fail us

Please take a picnic, not a Barbeque

We know that its been pouring down with rain today but that doesn’t mean that the risk to the New Forest from wildfires is over.

Even after everything that has happened over the last few weeks, National Park Authority Ranger Naomi found someone lighting this BBQ last night in Hatchett Moor car park.

Naomi, of course, put it out

BUT please continue to spread the word. The New Forest is still at risk so no BBQs and no fires.

Thank you

#14495

25/08/2026

Thursday 13th August 2026 - Day 5 of the large fire near Picket Post (A31).

Our crews continue to work through the night to dampen down hot spots and attack any new flare ups. Today our crews were split with some assigned to the right flank in P7 while other members crewed M4 at the head.

As the Sun began to rise over the forest that morning, one of our crew took this photo as they helped lay lengths of hose across to supply water to the right flank.

24/08/2026

Wednesday 12th August 2026 - Day 4 of the large fire near Picket Post (A31).

58M4 remains on scene with our crews working in shifts to enable our Firefighters to get some rest.

Meanwhile, crews not operating M4 found themselves aboard 58P7 providing relief to other crews, providing standby cover to Southampton and dealing with a van fire on M271.

Total number of mobilisations since Sunday - 24

16/08/2026

Tuesday 11th August 2026 - Day 3 of fighting the Wildfire in the New Forest. Lots of progress made by all crews, the fire still raging but

16/08/2026

Tuesday 11th August 2026 - Day 3 of the large fire near Picket Post (A31).

58M4 is mobilised by control just after 8am, relieving crews who have worked through the night.

Our crews get straight to it, working at the head of the wildfire, driving over gorse bushes and other greenery to knock back the fire and prevent undamaged forestland from being engulfed by flames.

15/08/2026

Monday 10th August 2026 - Day 2 of battling the New Forest Wildfire. Masks were a must as our crews and 58M4 traversed the forest in an effort to stop the fire spreading, with visibility (at times) being reduced to zero.

15/08/2026

Monday 10th August 2026 - Day 2 of the large fire near Picket Post (A31).

58M4 joins the efforts to extinguish the fire. Capable of going where no pump can, 58M4 rides over the rough terrain dumping tank after tank of water on the flames.

One of our crew also embodied the phrase "Work smarter, not harder"

12/05/2026

58M4 responding down A326 to a fire in the open near Forest Front.

11/05/2026